Former Pakistan skipper Ramiz Raja has heaped praise on star batsman Babar Azam for showcasing patience and restraint despite facing criticism over his failure.
Recently, during the ODI series against Sri Lanka, Babar scored a century in Rawalpindi. With this, he broke a streak of 807 days and 83 international innings without a ton.
While speaking on his YouTube channel, Raja revealed meeting Babar in a cafe and had seen the right-hander express frustration over the criticism.
“I met him recently in a cafe and he expressed his frustration at the way he had to face criticism, personal comments over his place in the team and his performances,” the former cricketer revealed.
Raja then said he told the 31-year-old cricketer to continue doing what he has been doing for years and not to react to any outside noise.
“Just continue to do what you have done, be patient and show restraint and don`t react to outside noises. Because as a player your only job is to perform on the field,” he said.
“I was very happy to see him back among the runs with his century against Sri Lanka,” added Raja.
Ramiz said he admired the way Babar had preferred not to respond to all the criticism directed at him on any forum. He was PCB chairman when Babar was made captain for all three formats in 2021, and his liking for the batsman is well documented.
He said Babar didn`t need to worry about the strike rate as he was a stylish player in Tests and ODIs.
“He has all the shots and he is a treat to watch even when he defends. He shouldn`t be worried about strike rates; he just needs to bat longer,” concluded the 63-year-old former cricketer.
So far, having represented Pakistan in 61 Test matches, Babar Azam has scored 4366 runs, with a top score of 196 runs in the format. He also has nine tons and 30 half-centuries to his name.
In the One-Day Internationals (ODIs), the right-hander has accumulated 6501 runs in 140 appearances by far. With a career best score of 158 runs in the format, he also has 20 centuries and 37 half-centuries to his name.
In the shortest format of the game, the 31-year-old cricketer has amassed 4302 runs, with a top score of 122 runs. He also has registered three centuries and 37 fifties under his name.
(With PTI Inputs)